Original Item: Only One Available. In 1935 the German military introduced the K98k bolt action rifle or Karabiner 98 Kurz, as a replacement for the older GEW98 or Gewehr 98. A new, shorter bayonet was designed to go along with the shortened rifle. The K98 bayonet was officially named Seitengewehr 84/98 III or SG 84/98 III. The bayonet was designed as a close combat sidearm that could be placed on the tip of a K98.
The total length of the K98 bayonet was 15.2 inches, far shorter than the 20 inch long GEW98 bayonet. The blade was also straighter in shape and the hand guard was omitted. The K98 bayonet was carried in a leather frog, or Seitengewehrtragetasche, on the left side on the equipment belt in combination with the shovel and its carrier. The maker marks on k98 bayonets where stamped onto the top of the blade. On the reverse the batch number and suffix were stamped.
Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
Markings: 149 b, MUNDLOS, and 39
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite
Condition is very good, with lots of original bluing on blade, nice brown bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has the factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. There is however some denting on the edge, so it may have seen some use even though it was never sharpened. There is some light runner wear, but overall the blade is very nice, having been protected by the scabbard. The grip scales are in good shape, with no major chips, and just some light scratches. The bluing on the handle is in very good shape, showing light wear and some speckled oxidation. The scabbard shows some more advanced oxidation on the exterior, which we have left intact to preserve the patina.
The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 149 / b, and the pommel is Waffenamt WaA243 marked. Both scabbard and blade are also marked MUNDLOS, This indicates manufacture by Mundlos AG in Magdeburg-Nord. This company was a maker of sewing-machines in peacetime, but was pressed into service to make 98K bayonets and mortar bodies. The spine of the blade is dated 39, and the scabbard has a matching maker marking on the reverse over 1939.
Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog is an early pattern type, with aluminum rivets, though it if had a securing strap, it is missing, and the stitching between the rivets is almost completely torn. The frog has some faded markings in areas, and definitely looks to have seen long service.
An original German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a rare maker, complete with frog . Ready to display or fit to your 98K rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 7/8″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 15“
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 10 1/2″